Morgan Sindall starts work on 217,000 sq ft Manchester labs

Kadans Science Partner’s Plus Ultra Manchester, a £100m development on Upper Brook Street, is underway and scheduled to complete in Q1 2028.

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to build the 217,000 sq ft, 100% electric life sciences development, which will offer labs, offices, cleanrooms, and amenity space across eight floors.

The development is Kadans’ first in Manchester and underlines the firm’s commitment to investing in the north’s innovation economy, the company said.

Will Fogden, country lead and UK head of development at Kadans Science Partner, said the start of construction is a “significant milestone for both Kadans and Manchester’s innovation sector”.

“Manchester has one of the UK’s most dynamic and well-connected ecosystems, combining world-class research institutions, a deep talent pool and a thriving base of life sciences and technology companies,” he said.

Fogden was referring specifically to the Oxford Road Corridor, where the scheme will be constructed, which is home to universities, hospitals, and a growing number of tech firms.

“The building will provide companies of all sizes the flexible, collaborative infrastructure needed to help research-led organisations grow, innovate and stay in the North of England,” Fogden said.

“Plus Ultra Manchester is only the beginning of Kadans’ commitment to the area, and the building forms a key tenet of the Upper Brook Street masterplan which aims to create a collaborative district to facilitate knowledge sharing.”

Kadans’ eight-storey scheme is just one part of a wider 7.5-acre masterplan at Upper Brook Street. Other elements include another 475,000 sq ft of life science space delivered by Property Alliance Group, as well as 2,000 student beds from Moda and McLaren.

Sheppard Robson designed the scheme. Credit: via FTI Consulting

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said schemes like Kadans’ help Manchester sustain its above-average levels of growth.

“Manchester’s economic growth is continuing to outpace the rest of the country, creating more jobs and opportunities for our residents,” she said on the morning it was announced that the UK’s economy contracted by 0.1% in September.

“We boast growing and globally competitive sectors in health innovation and life sciences, digital and AI and advanced materials,” Craig said.

“And with more than 217,000 sq ft of new business space this is a welcome investment in Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, further bolstering the reputation of the Oxford Road Corridor as a globally recognised hub for learning, research and innovation.

Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall, added: “This landmark scheme marks a major step in Manchester’s growth as a centre for life sciences and innovation.

“With our strong track record in science and technology projects, we’re well placed to bring this vision to life and create an environment that drives collaboration and ground-breaking research. We’re also committed to ensuring lasting community benefits by working with local education providers and employment and community groups to deliver training, job opportunities and a positive legacy for the city.”

Carter Jonas and Knight Frank are the joint agents on Plus Ultra Manchester, which was designed by Sheppard Robson.